It's been a tough few years for the Dubbo Rhinos but new coach Doug Sandry is hugely upbeat about the 2021 New Holland Agriculture Cup season and feels his side "can threaten the competition".
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Sandry has returned to the club to take on the top job this season and after his Rhinos had the bye in last weekend's opening round, the season begins at Apex Oval on Saturday against the Mudgee Wombats.
The Rhinos have finished with the wooden spoon the past two seasons and the only win the first grade side has recorded in that time has come via a forfeit.
But with a host of new players joining the club - six players are expected to make their Rhinos debut on Saturday - and strong performances at training, Sandry can't wait for Saturday to arrive.
"There's a great feel around the club," Sandry said.
"Training on Tuesday night was fantastic and blokes were on edge. They were getting upset with each other at times and that's when you know they're really ready to go."
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Sandry has been impressed by the club's off-season recruitment as the club has targeted filling the positions needed.
Tyrone Fleming is expected to provide real impact from No. 8 while Nash Forgione will be part of a new halves pairing and will set the tone for his side.
Kieran Hill, who's previously spent time in rugby league with Dubbo Westside, has made the move across and will start at fullback and while the coach thinks the former Group 11 player has "all the attributes to be a fantastic fullback" he's pleased the club won't be in a position like it has been in the past where it's had to rely on ex-league players still coming to terms with the game.
"We've got guys who know rugby," Sandry said.
"Fourteen of the 15 we'll have on Saturday have been playing rugby for quite some time and that's comforting to know guys in those positions know the game."
Captain Matt Graham and front-rower Brett Austin are among those with plenty of experience and they've set the tone during pre-season, so much so Sandry believes if "they do the same on Saturday, and I think they will, you're in line to see a huge performance from the Rhinos".
After such a barren run in recent times, Sandry has previously said his only focus is on getting that first win for his side and while that remains the case he can't help but get excited about the potential of his playing group.
"We're confident we're going to be competitive in second grade but we're really, really positive about first grade because we believe we've got the side to threaten the competition," he said.
Mudgee head into the match after suffering a 36-32 loss to Parkes in round one but the Wombats are again expected to bring a "really big, strong, mobile pack" with them to Apex Oval.
"It can be a good season but there's no point worrying about anything but round one," Sandry said.
"The main focus for us is just to win on Saturday."
The Rhinos will be offering free entry for frontline workers this season as a thank you for their efforts during recent times of bushfires and COVID-19.
First grade kicks off at 3.15pm while under 18s and second grade will be played earlier.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
